DeKalb Times

City of Sycamore City Council met Nov. 20.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

ROLL CALL

Mayor Braser called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and City Clerk Mary Kalk called the roll. Those Alderpersons present were Alicia Cosky, Jeff Fischer, Pete Paulsen, Virginia Sherrod, Chuck Stowe, Ben Bumpus, and Nancy Copple. Alderman Alan Bauer was absent. Attorney Keith Foster was also present.

INVOCATION led by Alderperson Virginia Sherrod

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE led by Alderperson Virginia Sherrod

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Mayor Braser amended the agenda by moving item #7 Presentation of Petitions, Communications, and Bills to after item #12 Resolutions.

MOTION

Alderman Paulsen motioned to approve the agenda as amended and Alderperson Cosky seconded the motion. VOICE VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a voice vote to approve the motion. All Alderpersons voted aye. Motion carried 7-0.

AUDIENCE TO VISITORS

Rose Tremel, 542 Clayton Circle, Executive Director Sycamore Chamber read the letter included here within in support of approving a Special Use Permit for BCM Industrial Park, LLC.

Paul Fix, 2216 Maggie Lane, Founder and President of the non-profit Sycamore Whiskey Club, in representing over 720 members from Sycamore, DeKalb, Rockford, Byron, and Sandwich, expressed his enthusiastic support for the distillery, supper club, and event space that will be an agent of economic growth, job creation, and community engagement. He respectfully urged the City Council to approve the Special Use Permit and embrace this opportunity for growth.

Kathy Nuss, 26 Briden Lane, representing Old Mill Park residents said that she and all the neighbors in attendance are here to support the revitalization of the distillery and event venue as being seniors, they are struggling with their property taxes on a fixed income. “This is a no-brainer” but said the last meeting, there was confusion on the voting and asked that each one get clarification on what they are voting on.

CONSENT AGENDA

A. Approval of the Minutes for the Regular City Council Meeting of November 6, 2023

B. Payment of the Bills for November 20, 2023, in the amount of $747,203.76.

MOTION

Alderman Stowe motioned to approve the Consent Agenda and Alderman Fischer seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Cosky, Fischer, Paulsen, Sherrod, Stowe, Bumpus, and Copple voted aye. Motion carried 7-0.

REPORT OF OFFICERS

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

Finance – Alan Bauer – absent

Public Safety – Pete Paulsen – no report

Public Works – Chuck Stowe – no report

PUBLIC HEARINGS

ORDINANCES

A. Ordinance No. 2023.18 – Reconsideration of an Ordinance Amending Various Sections of Title 3, “Business and License Regulations,” Chapter 2, “Liquor Control,” and Amending Title 5, “Police Regulations,” Chapter 4, “Miscellaneous Offenses,” Section 3, “Gambling,” of the City Code of the City of Sycamore, Illinois.

City Manager Michael Hall said that this was requested by Alderperson Copple.

MOTION

Alderperson Copple made a motion to reconsider the approval of Ordinance 2023.18 approved at the last meeting on November 6, 2023, and Alderperson Sherrod seconded the motion.

Mayor Braser noted, to be clear, that Alderperson Sherrod is on the prevailing side.

Alderman Stowe said he is concerned as to why they are getting rid of the 2/3 vote.

Alderperson Copple said she was very confused and brought it up to reconsider.

Alderman Stowe said the one comment made at the last meeting was that we are trying to take powers away from the Liquor Commissioner and said that they are not because before this amended ordinance, the Liquor Commissioner did not have that power.

Attorney Foster said, to be clear, the motion is to reconsider the ordinance as it was amended so if this passes, the ordinance is back for consideration.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Cosky, Fischer, Paulsen, Sherrod, Bumpus, and Copple voted aye while Aldermen Stowe voted nay. Motion carried 6-1.

MOTION

Alderperson Copple made a motion to reconsider the approval of the Amendment to Ordinance 2023.18 that was approved on November 6th prior to the vote on Ordinance 2023.18 and Alderperson Sherrod seconded the motion.

Attorney Foster said that this motion is to reconsider the vote on the amendment to the original ordinance. This doesn’t mean that you are voting for or against the amendment, it is just to reconsider the amendment.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Cosky, Fischer, Paulsen, Sherrod, Bumpus, and Copple voted aye while Aldermen Stowe voted nay. Motion carried 6-1.

Mayor Braser called for a vote on Alderman Bauer’s Amendment. He said that “yes” means they need a 2/3 vote of council to approve any waiver of the 100-foot rule and “no” means the Mayor (Liquor Commissioner) can waive the 100-foot rule.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Alderpersons Stowe voted aye, while Cosky, Fischer, Paulsen, Sherrod, Bumpus, and Copple voted nay. Amendment failed 1-6.

Mayor Braser called for a vote on the original Ordinance as presented on November 6th.

Attorney Foster said that “yes” would mean they pass the ordinance that does not include the 2/3 vote of the council to approve the liquor commissioner’s waiver. “No” would mean they are not approving the ordinance. ROLL CALL VOTE

Alderpersons Cosky, Fischer, Paulsen, Sherrod, Bumpus, and Copple voted aye while Alderperson Stowe voted nay. Motion carried 6-1.

B. Ordinance No. 2023.19 – An Ordinance Approving Amendments to Article 1.3.3, “Definitions,” and Article 5.3.1, “Table of Permitted Uses,” of the Sycamore Unified Development Ordinance, Adopted May 1, 2005, in the City of Sycamore, Illinois. First and Second Reading.

City Manager Michael Hall said that this went before the Planning & Zoning Commission (PZC) last Monday with a favorable recommendation. This changes the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) codes and creates new definitions and different uses as per the agenda.

MOTION

Alderperson Copple made a motion to waive First Reading on Ordinance 2023.19 and Alderperson Sherrod seconded the motion.

VOICE VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a voice vote to approve the motion. All Alderpersons voted aye. Motion carried 7-0.

MOTION

Alderperson Copple made a motion to approve Ordinance 2023.19 and Alderman Bumpus seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Cosky, Fischer, Paulsen, Sherrod, Stowe, Bumpus, and Copple voted aye. Motion carried 7-0.

C. Ordinance No. 2023.20 – An Ordinance Approving a Request from Chris Mayer of BCM Industrial Park, LLC for a Special Use Permit to Operate a Restaurant/Banquet Hall, Retail Sales, and Tap Room/Tasting Room – Ancillary to Beverages, Bottling & Distribution, Brewery, Distillery, Micro-Brewery and Micro-Distillery at 421 North California Street in Sycamore, Illinois, PIN 06-32-126-002. First and Second Reading.

City Manager Michael Hall said since the council approved the UDO amendments, this would allow Mr. Mayer the Special Use Permit to operate the banquet hall, distillery, and restaurant. He noted that this was recommended from the PZC.

MOTION

Alderperson Copple made a motion to waive First Reading on Ordinance 2023.20 and Alderman Fischer seconded the motion.

VOICE VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a voice vote to approve the motion. All Alderpersons voted aye. Motion carried 7-0.

MOTION

Alderperson Copple made a motion to approve Ordinance 2023.20 and Alderman Paulsen seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Cosky, Fischer, Paulsen, Sherrod, Stowe, Bumpus, and Copple voted aye. Motion carried 7-0.

RESOLUTIONS

A. Resolution No. 958 – A Resolution Requesting a Permit from the Illinois Department of Transportation to Allow for the Completion of Water Services along IL Route 23 to Serve the Old Mill Park North Development.

City Manager Michael Hall said that this is a requirement from IDOT (Illinois Department of Transportation) along with a $10,000 bond to complete the water project that is along Route 23 to serve Old Mill Park.

MOTION

Alderman Stowe motioned to approve Resolution 958 and Alderman Paulsen seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Cosky, Fischer, Paulsen, Sherrod, Stowe, Bumpus, and Copple voted aye. Motion carried 7-0.

B. Resolution No. 959 – A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of the Worker’s Compensation and Liability Coverage for City Employees with AssuredPartners.

City Manager Michael Hall said this comes forward each year for renewal of liability and worker’s compensation insurance. As per the agenda, total premiums costs are $826,763 and the agency fee is $32,000.

MOTION

Alderperson Cosky motioned to approve Resolution 959 and Alderman Fischer seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Cosky, Fischer, Paulsen, Sherrod, Stowe, Bumpus, and Copple voted aye. Motion carried 7-0.

C. Resolution No. 960 – A Resolution Declaring Surplus Property, Authorizing the Sale of Property, and Authorizing the Sale via a Real Estate Agent for the Real Estate Located at 1118 Wild Street in the City of Sycamore, Illinois.

City Manager Michael Hall explained the history and that the city put this out to bid where eight people downloaded the bid packets. None were received for the bid opening last Wednesday. They are now asking to have a real estate agent help with the sale.

Alderman Fischer asked if it is worth putting it out to bid one more time.

Director of Community Development John Sauter said it has been open for a little over a month as it was advertised in the local paper three times, was on the city website, and a sign was placed at the property.

Alderman Paulsen confirmed that the minimum bid still applies.

Alderperson Cosky confirmed that the realtor percentage varies and is negotiable.

MOTION

Alderman Fischer motioned to approve Resolution 960 and Alderman Paulsen seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Cosky, Fischer, Paulsen, Sherrod, Stowe, Bumpus, and Copple voted aye. Motion carried 7-0.

D. Resolution No. 961 – A Resolution Approving and Authorizing the Liquor Commissioner’s Waiver of 100 Foot Requirement for Liquor License(s) for Property at 421 North California Street, Sycamore, Illinois.

PRESENTATION OF PETITIONS, COMMUNICATIONS, AND BILLS

A. Presentation of Proposed 2024 City Budget, Tax Levy, and 5-Year Capital Improvement Plans.

City Manager Michael Hall said that this is step one of three parts. The next meeting December 4th is the Public Hearing for the Budget and the Levy, and the December 18th meeting will be the final approval of the ordinances that will approve the Levy and will approve the Budget. He spoke about the budget, budget options, levy, and five-year plans according to the agenda and handouts included here within.

CONSIDERATIONS

A. Consideration of a Public Works Department Recommendation to Purchase an ODB XtremeVac LCT600 Tow-Behind Leaf Loader (Diesel) from Standard Equipment, Elmhurst, IL in the Amount of $80,176.27.

City Manager Michael Hall said that this is a budgeted Capital project for 2023b which was budgeted for $100,000 but came in under at $80,176.27.

MOTION

Alderman Fischer motioned to approve the Consideration and Alderperson Copple seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Cosky, Fischer, Paulsen, Sherrod, Stowe, Bumpus, and Copple voted aye. Motion carried 7-0.

APPOINTMENTS

OTHER NEW BUSINESS

Alderperson Cosky said the quarterly Beautification Committee meeting will be December 11th at noon at City Hall. ADJOURNMENT

MOTION

Alderman Stowe motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7:13 p.m. and Alderman Paulsen seconded the motion.

VOICE VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a voice vote to approve the motion. All Alderpersons voted aye. Motion carried 7-0.

https://www.cityofsycamore.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_11202023-252